透過させる

Translate: この部材は光の一部を透過させる。

ChatGPT:

ChatGPT

This member allows a portion of the light to pass through.

あなた:

How about "This member transmits a portion of the light"?

ChatGPT:

ChatGPT

"This member transmits a portion of the light" is also a valid translation, but it slightly shifts the nuance.

• "Transmits" often implies the intentional conveyance or transport of light, possibly as part of a functional mechanism.
• "Allows...to pass through" emphasizes the permissive nature of the process, suggesting that the material or structure inherently permits light to go through without necessarily implying a functional action.

If the original Japanese text describes a passive property of the member, the first option may better preserve the nuance. If the member is described as playing an active role in light transmission, the second option could be more appropriate.

あなた:

Can "transmitted" also be problematic because it also means "emit" or "radiate", as in the case of transmitting radio waves from a transmit antenna?

ChatGPT:

ChatGPT

Yes, "transmitted" can indeed be problematic in certain contexts due to its dual meaning. While it is often used for describing the passage of light through a material, it can also suggest the act of emitting or radiating energy, such as transmitting radio waves from an antenna. This ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation, especially in technical or scientific descriptions.

In the context of the original Japanese sentence (光の一部を透過させる), the intent is likely to describe the passive passage of light through a material. Using "transmit" could risk implying an active role in generating or projecting light, which may not align with the intended meaning.

If avoiding potential ambiguity is important, sticking with phrases like "allows a portion of the light to pass through" or "permits a portion of the light to pass through" may be safer and clearer. These options unambiguously convey the passive nature of the process.